Junna is deeply worried about Nana. Her shop hasn't opened ever since Tengoku stole Daffodil and it has already been a month and a half since that incident. Every time she would come by, a closed sign was always the one who greeted her instead of Nana who says Good Morning! Or Good afternoon! How was work today? Was Nana avoiding her because of what happened last time? Junna blushed at this thought. Remembering what happened after that was not something she needed to remember. She glanced under her desk; she was wearing the same skirt that day.

Maybe Nana was embarrassed as she was that's why she hasn't been in her shop. But isn't a month and a half too long just for that occurrence? Maybe Nana was on a vacation and she just never told Junna. No, that can't be it. Nana would always talk to Junna about everything, whether by call or text. Maybe she's sick. Did she see a doctor? Does she have somebody to take care of her? Maybe Nana got hurt and needed to rest. Where would she get injured? Did her shop got robbed? Maybe she was attacked by someone? A stranger? Perhaps someone she knows? Where is she? Is she in the hospital? Why didn't she tell Junna anything? Is it because Junna is just a friend to her? Or maybe Nana doesn't trust her that much?

"Junna?" Junna shrieked and was pulled back to reality quickly. She looked up, seeing Claudine and Maya looking worried for the purple-haired girl. Claudine noticed the horrifying look on the corporal's face, noting that the woman was definitely worried about something and was overthinking about it.

"Junna. Whatever you are thinking about, you need to calm down and focus on another thing. We have urgent work to do." The detective spoke softly, not wanting to add more stress to the corporal.

"I'm sorry. I was just worried about someone I know."

"Are you talking about Daiba-san?" Maya butts in, making Junna surprised yet embarrassed at the same time.

"Yes. Do you know her, Tendo-san?"

"I do. In fact, we are quite fond of each other, you see. I used to help at her shop before I went to your office."

"So you really have friends, Maya." Maya frowns at the statement resulting in Claudine smirking in satisfaction at the major.

"I told you before that I have friends, Claudine." Junna chuckled at the two officers in front of her who were having a staring contest before a certain blue-haired devil cut it short.

"What did I just hear? Kuro-han and Tendo-han, calling each other so closely? When did you have that kind of development~?"

"Wha- There's no such thing as development between me and Tendo Maya!"

"There isn't? I feel attacked, Claudine." Maya dramatically put her hand on her chest and wore a very sorrowful expression. If Maya wasn't a major, she'll definitely be an actress.

"Kuro, you shouldn't hurt your girlfriend, you know?"

"Futuba, I thought you were with me! And Maya isn't my girlfriend!" Claudine's face was now the same shade of red as her eyes as she glares at their coworkers who were teaming up on her.

"I'm not? I thought I was. You just broke my heart!" Maya shed crocodile tears, which made Futaba laugh so hard.

"Noooo!!!"

A sweet laugh silenced the group. Junna was laughing and looks like her worries were all gone. Claudine and the rest followed, chuckling heartily at their group's drama.

"No, seriously Kuro, are you and Tendo going out with each other?"

"No, of course not." Claudine denied while Maya nodded in silence, her bitter expression returning.

"Hoshimi-san, Nana is just resting in her apartment because of exhaustion. I can assure you that she is now recovering and is perfectly fine and well."

"Thank you, Tendo-san. Can you send her my greetings later on?"

"Sure. But for now, we want you to work on this." Maya presents a sheet of paper with all of Tengoku's cards in random order. Written in the paper is a list of the things that Tengoku has stolen and the order of when they were stolen.

"Maya found a pattern system that can be the code or the key to Tengoku's identity. And we know you're the most suitable among us when it comes to things like this."

"Is that so? I'll start working on it now. Then if I figure something out, I'll immediately let you two know."

"Thanks, Junna-chan. I knew I could count on you."

____

After an entire month, Tengoku has sent another card of notice to the detective, Maya disappearing again once Tengoku is insight.

"Two voices intertwined, a vow lasting a lifetime." -Promising Duet, #14

As Claudine and Tengoku meet on the top of the same building they first met, their eyes met with the same intensity and passion burning within them. Today, Claudine plans to make sure she wasn't doubting someone who is actually innocent of being the gentleman thief. Their swords meet once again, like a dance starting at the crescendo.

"Why are you doing this? Stealing and risking your life for valuables you can't even earn money from."

"It's because I see you every time I take something that isn't mine. Including your heart." The masked thief smirked and winked at the furious detective, swinging both their swords at the same fast speed.

"Being a criminal doesn't attract anyone."

"So being an officer attracts you?"

"I didn't say that!"

"Are you fond of your partner, Tendo Maya, the general's daughter?"

"You don't need to know anything about our relationship."

"Relationship? Looks like you two are indeed close. I won't pry as you wish. Did you know a ball is going to be held next month?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"That will be my last heist. And your last month to catch me." Tengoku smiled, his purple eyes twinkling in delight. And another successful day for Tengoku has happened.

____

"Where were you?! Every time Tengoku is around, you keep disappearing! Are you hiding something from me?!" Claudine shouted at the Major who lowered her head in apology. This scene kept replaying over and over again once a heist ends and the two officers meet on the scene. Maya was sweating like crazy, her clothes disheveled from changing quickly from Tengoku's suit to her usual police uniform.

"I'm sorry I haven't explained everything I do, Claudine," Maya said sincerely, yet deeply confident.

"Oh yeah? Do you think I'll let you explain it now, Maya?!"

"Yes, I have the right as your partner to voice out my own responsibilities as a Tendo and as a Major." Claudine sighed. Of course, Maya would be confident in things like this. And maybe it's fair to give her a chance to speak. Claudine stayed silent, waiting for the brunette to continue and speak again.

"I have to go to the general's office every weekend in the morning to report back everything, your progress, Tengoku's latest heists, the code we found, and everything he needs to know about the rapier. It just happens to be the same exact time Tengoku strikes and I want to stay and apprehend him with you, I really do. Do you understand now, Claudine?"

"Yeah. Fine. Whatever. By the way, Junna needs your help back in the office. I need to stay here and find evidence leading to Tengoku's identity." Claudine turned her back from Maya, walking away quickly, entering the poor building that has just been robbed.

"Claudine..."

_____

"This is..." Junna whispers as she reads more into the complicated code that Tengoku left them with. She pushes her glasses back, concentrating on the light coming from her desk lamp. A knock from the door catches her attention. She stops, opening it, seeing a smiling Maya standing in the hallway.

"I heard you called for me, Hoshimi-san." Maya smiled perfectly, a facade that always worked with people.

"Ah, yes. Do come in. I think I have the first part of the code down. I just want to confirm with you." Maya nodded after the corporal spoke, looking at the papers scattered on the desk. The corporal is indeed smart when it comes to things like this.

This is Ten __________

Maya looked back at the corporal, smiling in confirmation of the corporal's work.

"It's definitely a lead, Hoshimi-san. I'm happy to see this result. By the way, about Nana..." Junna's eyes widened and her ears perked at the mention of the baker's name.

"She says come by her shop in the afternoon if you have time. She'll be waiting for you."

"T-thank you, Tendo-san for telling me about this."

"No problem. I think you look good together." With that, the major left the corporal's office with a wink and a smile, looking at the embarrassed yet happy corporal.